Strait of Serenity

The Strait of Serenity is located in the heart of the hilled forest. It is unique in a sense that it connects the northern ocean to the southern. Due to this phenomenon the strait is filled with calm salty water. As such there is limited vegetation near the coast of the Strait. The Strait is filled with unique saltwater fishes which traverse each season from the South to the North and vice versa depending on the temperature. In addition, small seashells can be found on the rocky coast of the Serenity Strait which are collected by the locals for the creation of odd trinkets and decorations.
This characteristic the Strait of Serenity is one of the main reasons why there have been naturally growing settlements deeper within the forest. The Strait of Serenity is known to be up to 20 meters deep in certain spots which makes it very difficult to traverse as a convoy. Those who wish to avoid the authority of the Kingdom traverse this obstacle and have created settlements deeper in the forest. The Kingdom has limited interest and capabilities of sending a well-equipped army through the Strait to bring order.
Northwest of the Strait stands one of the largest settlements inside the Forest Region. The settlement lies on the heart of the Strait and utilizes the Strait as a natural barrier to the East. While there have been discussions on building a bridge through the Strait by locals, it was eventually decided not to be pursued. Creating a bridge would allow anyone, including those not familiar with the region, to be able to traverse through the other side without any problems. The Forest people already knew the best locations to be able to pass the Strait with ease, as such they decided not to create a potential route for anyone not familiar with the region could easily pass.
The namesake of the Strait comes from the eerie yet charming silence on the coasts of the Strait. This is mainly attributable to there being less wildlife near the Strait as there is barely any consumable flora or pray in the area. In addition, the Strait is one of the few locations in the forest which is not completely covered in trees. As such, it has direct access to sunlight which adds to the calming nature.
The largest convoy to have ever passed through the region was that of the Mountain People. In attempt to pass the Strait, Mountain People spent weeks traveling through the Strait in small groups using primitive wooden rafts that they had constructed. Several groups of the mountain people were told to be supported by the locals in accessing the eastern forests.
There are certain spots in the path of the Strait which are easily traversable. However, travelers are advised to not pass the borders as there have been stories of those who have been captured and tortured from those living inside the eastern forests. Whether there is any truth to these stories remains untold, however it was enough to convince the younger populations of the forest people and excited travelers of keeping away from the Straits of Serenity.
Legends speak of a woman who was dragged down the waters of the Serenity Straits while trying to meet with her lover who had to run away from the Kingdom to the other side. Some say that during nights similar to those of when she drowned you can hear her voice calling for her loved one. This tragedy, unknown whether to be fact or fiction, has created unique songs and poetry among the local populations.
Unbeknownst is to us which is more tragic,
Whether to lose a loved one,
While running from the guards,
Or from drowning in Serenity.
Do not wait for your lover young outcast,
As there is nothing to wait for but tragedy.

Type

Strait